'Dancing With the Stars': Normani Kordei kills it; Erika Jayne exits

One of the most anticipated nights in Dancing with the Stars, Disney Night, left Erika Jayne out of the competition. Maria Mercedes Galuppo (@mariamgaluppo) has more.
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Twice a ratings season, there’s a magical night that blesses our screens. Sambas sparkle more brightly. Waltzes have more romance. But maybe most magical is how Alfonso Ribeiro manages to remind us how he’s completely revamped his career through this show, dancing with children, and singing to kick off ... wait for it, Disney Night.

But Alfonso has had his moment — tonight is for Disney and our dancers. The three in jeopardy are a bit of a surprise: Normani, Erika Jayne, and Nick Viall face elimination. Unfortunately, even on Disney night, we have to say goodbye to one, and this week, it was Erika Jayne whose wish upon a star got returned in the mail.

Normani has been traveling, so it was a mystery if we’d seen her best. But after that Paso, it’s clear we had possibly the best performance of the season, Normani was ALIVE. Trading in the traditional Paso cape for FIGHTING STICKS, Normani’s focus was grounded in performance and footwork. And her scored reflected that.

IF YALL DONT VOTE FOR NORMANI AND VAL YALL GON BE RESPONSIBLE FOR BREAKING HER HEART AND RUINING HER CHILDHOOD DREAMS pic.twitter.com/EAcNi89Woc

First and foremost, the dance gets a 10 for having Auli'i Cravalho present to sing the Oscar-nominated song. It should get four more for the performance. Simone and Sasha are perfection in their contemporary — a style that suits Simone’s gymnastics background perfectly. The judges agree, but somehow she still doesn’t lock in that perfect score.

Nancy Kerrigan and Artem Chigvintsev

Disney Song: That’s How You Know from Enchanted

Judges Score: 36/40

Sparkle points: 4.5/5

There’s always one person who comments on their age, and it shocks you because they’re typically one of the best in the game — this season that’s Nancy Kerrigan. Dancing a pitch perfect jazz with some spot on lip syncing, Nancy is this season’s traditionalist who has a very real chance of making the final three. The judges completely see the potential and award in accordingly.

Heather Morris and Alan Bernstein

Disney Song: For the First Time in Forever from Frozen

Judges Score: 34/40

Max is still down y’all, so he’s decided to teach Alan and Heather crazy lifts he’s never actually done himself. But for jazz to be Heather’s specialty, it doesn’t feel nearly as jazzy as anyone anticipated. There’s a ton of turns and lifts, but Disney night takes precedent. Good news, though, Maks comes back next week. Thank you for your under appreciated service, Alan.

Disney Night brought the best out in the stars with Nick Viall landing near the top with a 34. Both Rashad Jennings and Erika Jayne clock in with 32s, Bonner Bolton lands a 30, and David Ross comes in just under the rest with a 29.

Sparkle Points

Normani Kordei: 5/5

In a week where hair was, um... sometimes questionable (ahem, Julianne), both Val and Normani sported high ponytails along with fighting sticks and muted bedazzled black fighting ensembles. Often docked for anything muted, it was too fierce not to get full credit.

Throw a bull rider in some sparkly overalls, give him a fake medal, tell him that he’s stronger than he is and watch him come to life! Bonner’s orange and brown sparkle-alls are the fall staple piece you didn’t know you needed.

Nick Viall: 4.5/5

Detachable skirts? Check. Lederhosen? Check, check. Strong use of cane? We’re done here. Nick may have been in the bottom this week, but that execution was nothing short of Pinocchio-perfect.

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Shall we dance? 'Dancing With the Stars' is cha cha-ing along in its 24th season this spring, with big names like Olympic gold-medalist Simone Biles. In a recent episode, she and Sasha Farber take to the floor. Scroll through to see more photos of the cast on the dance floor. Eric McCandless, ABC